How to keep cool and save energy

Summer in New York City is consistently the peak time for energy usage — doing what you can to reduce energy during this time is an important way to confront rising temperatures and the impacts of climate change. Reduce your usage with these easy tips:

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  1. Keep your blinds or curtains closed during the peak sun hours (around 12-3 p.m.). But if you’re in love with the view, try solar shades. If it’s not too hot at night, open your windows…but during the day keep ‘em closed.
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2. Set the air conditioner to the highest degree where you’re still comfortable. 78 degrees will save about 12% in cooling costs.

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3. Install LED lights. 85-90% of an incandescent bulb’s energy turns into extra heat in your house.

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4. Plant some greenery. If you live somewhere with a yard, try landscape shading by planting trees and shrubs around your home to absorb the rays. If you live in an apartment, line your balcony or window with creative houseplants, try these.

Animation Plants GIF by whateverbeclever - Find & Share on GIPHY

5. Avoid using hot water. Wash your clothes and yourself in a colder climate, with sticky summer sweat it’s way more refreshing.

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6. Turn off that dryer and try an old-fashioned drying rack. The natural light and heat will make your clothes feel as cozy as warm blanket after laundry day.

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How do you keep cool and save energy during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

23 comments

  1. LOL I love the one with the dogs on the ac compressor. I went through and fixed air leaks and bad insulation in order to help conserve some energy — although these take a lot more effort and money than just some basic saving tips. Additionally, I found the Nest thermostat very useful for controlling temps right when I need it.

  2. Very interesting post with some funny gif which made me very crazy because I am laughing too much now. Really the extend hit come in summer is very uncomfortable and need to use the air conditioner but we are all not able to use this.

  3. A few other things you can do to keep your home cool is to:
    – Make sure your home has proper insulation
    – Make sure to properly seal any ducts so that cool air doesn’t leak
    – Keep it properly maintained

  4. I find it cool when you said that a homeowner should set their air conditioners to 78 degrees to help them save 12% in cooling costs. Aside from that, my suggestion is to hire a local repair service to inspect and fix it once every three months. Doing this will extend its lifespan and prevent it from breaking down soon too.

  5. Bob says:

    I love your tip about how the past 3 years have been the hottest years. My house is super hot all day long. I’ll have to have my AC unit reworked for better energy use.

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